Hillingdon Cycling Club

THE HILLINGDON CYCLING CLUB

The Hillingdon Cycling Club was formed on the 1st of January 1967 from an amalgamation of the Uxbridge Wheelers, founded in 1936, and the South Ruislip Cycling Club, founded in 1949. This coincided with the creation of the London Borough of Hillingdon.

The new organisation was enhanced by drawing members from other highly respected clubs, for example, Actonia CC, Harlequins CC, Middlesex RC, Northwood Wheelers, Yiewsley RC and, later, Ealing Paragon CC to become one of the largest in West London.

The first clubroom was at the rear of Triangle Cycles, Ickenham, owned by Bert Rayner and generously provided by Bert for a peppercorn rent. Many enjoyable evenings were spent there but membership growth necessitated a change and a move was made to a Scout Hut in Hillingdon on the 1st January 1975.

The membership was still growing and this resulted in another move, on the 13th of June 1978, to the Walter G Pomeroy Hall, Hillingdon. For over six years this was headquarters to a membership that reached about 190. Eventually proving unsuitable, another move saw the club domiciled in Ruislip. Because this proved to be somewhat bleak in winter, a hall was found in due course at Christchurch, Uxbridge. Once again, after about 18 months, the Committee decided on taking an option of a reduced rent at the Uxbridge Centre in the Greenway. The dramatic decrease in cycling club membership has affected the Hillingdon as much as it has many others and a regular clubroom is no longer required. Instead the occasional get together is organised during the year.

The first president was George Adams, who contributed much practical help in the formative years. George subsequently became a Vice President and died on his 63rd birthday in October 1988.

John Davis, for 17 years the President of the South Ruislip CC and a man with immense experience in cycling administration, was elected President in 1971 and remained so until until his death in 1984. A great loss to his family and to the club membership.

He was succeeded by Jim Burgin, the main proponent of the original amalgamation and a dedicated enthusiast of all cycling matters. 

Connie May became President in 1987 and held the position until 1991. Connie, a dedicated cyclist for over fifty  years, has been particularly active in events for women and younger family members. Connie's particular forte is as Press Secretary, a function she has fulfilled for most of the club's 40 years.

Elected President in 1991, Peter Hoare coupled this and his duties as Membership Secretary very successfully. He was also the highly motivated organiser of the charity ten mile time trials and is responsible for having raised many thousands of pounds for worthy causes.

Roy May was elected President at the Annual General Meeting on the 23rd of February 1995. Roy, a cyclist since 1948 and a qualified cycling coach.

Brian Major was elected President in February 1999. Brian, a life long cyclist was originally a member of the Northwood Wheelers and South Ruislip Cycling Club until the amalgamation. He has been a dedicated club member throughout the club’s  history, serving on the Committee in numerous posts, including Chairman and Time Trials Secretary. Having completed the stipulated term of office, Brian was succeeded as President by Jim Burgin in 2003.

Mavis Davis, wife of the late John Davis, was an Honorary Member of the South Ruislip CC. Mavis became a Vice President, doing much to advance the well-being of the club.

Albert (Bert) Rayner was a Vice President of the Uxbridge Wheelers and, on the foundation of the Hillingdon, was made a Vice President, having done much to assist its growth, particularly in providing our first clubroom.  Bert died at the end of 1988.

It was in 1982 that the Club, in recognition of his contribution, especially at the formation, elected former racing member and Chairman, David Williams as Vice President. Dave, now resident in Sussex, continues to take an interest in the Club’s affairs.

Prior to moving to South Africa with his wife Julie, Jim Hobbs was elected Vice President. This was a well earned tribute for all his work as Time Trial Secretary (and to many a mentor) for a number of years. With the passing of Julie, Jim returned to England and continues his membership.

Harry Hipgrave shared the Vice Presidency with his wife Edie, their cycling dedication reaching back more than sixty years. Both became Life Members in 1998. Edie died on the 7th of June 2002, soon after celebrating 60 years of marriage. Harry passed away on the 12th of October 2003.

Following years of dedication to the sport and valuable membership of the Hillingdon CC, Marjorie and Roy Haynes were appointed Honorary Members in the year 2000. Roy died in September 2005.

The last Vice President to be elected was Del Hambelton who joined this elite band in 1995.

The section of this archive which referred to the club not so far producing national champions, was changed in 2003 when Cecil Hambelton won the Veterans' National 12 hour Championship for the over 70s.

The club has contributed a great deal to the sport and pastime in its history. It has a proud record of open promotions, both time trialling and road racing, which can be equalled by few others.

Thanks largely to the work of coaching experts Roy May and Cecil Hambelton, the club has, in the past, produced many competent athletes and able bike riders and when requested have demonstrated their willingness to continue this work.

The Hillingdon Cycling Club is now in its 41st year; in keeping with other such organisations, its membership has decreased but it continues to provide a full programme of activities for its members and to promote open events to the high standard set on its inauguration in 1967.